Planning Officer

Wirral Council: Job Role Descriptor Template
Job Role:
Planning Officer
Department:
REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Reports to:
Principal Planning Team Leaders
No of Subordinates:
0
HR USE ONLY
Job Role Ref:
BUS
Job Family:
Business Support
Grade:
Band H
JOB ROLE PURPOSE
Dealing with all matters in respect of Development Management especially in relation to all aspects of planning (and related) applications, including relevant matters at pre- application and post-application stages of the planning process, planning appeals and planning enforcement matters.
KEY TASKS
1. Process and determine a caseload of all aspects of planning related applications, appeals, discharge of conditions and all other post-decision matters; undertaking all necessary site inspections; preparing reports and recommendations for applications that are to be determined under powers delegated to the Strategic Director, Head of Service and Development Management Manager and for applications to be considered and determined by the Planning Committee;
2. Manage and process all aspects of telecommunications related applications from pre-application to post-application stages, ensuring timely delivery of decisions within the statutory timeframe.
3. Advise on the need for planning permission and providing pre-application planning advice.
4. Prepare evidence and written statements in respect of any Planning Appeals and to represent the Council as planning witness at Hearings and Inquiries as may be required.
5. Investigate all complaints regarding alleged breaches of planning control, including those in relation to trees and Listed Buildings; undertaking all necessary site inspections, gathering of information, including all relevant checks (e.g. DVLA and HM Land Registry); assessing whether a breach has taken place; dealing with individuals and/or organisations and effectively negotiating amendments where appropriate; assessing whether any breach is harmful and whether it is expedient to take appropriate enforcement action; take appropriate enforcement action as required, including the preparing and serving of Enforcement Notices, Planning Contravention Notices, Breach of Condition Notices etc. and dealing with any subsequent Appeals and giving/presenting evidence at Appeal Hearings, Inquiries or Court.
6. Attend Planning Committee where required by and in support of the Head of Service and/or Development Management Manager, and if appropriate, other Committees.
7. Provide guidance and advice to other Council services/officers on all aspects of planning related applications and enforcement matters.
8. Liaise with other Council services and other bodies, including statutory and non- statutory consultees and other external agencies, on relevant issues.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
People

• Support the democratic and decision making processes in relation to planning and planning enforcement related matters, providing professional planning advice and support to Elected Members, Chief Officers and others, where appropriate.
• Promote effective communication with all service users.

Financial

• No financial responsibility. Not a budget holder and no specific responsibilities for budget setting/monitoring and management.

Strategic

• Support the Head of Service and the Development Management Manager in developing and delivering the Corporate vision, values and priorities of the Council, the Directorate and the Development Management Service.
• To ensure effective engagement with Members, other Council services, local strategic partnerships, developers, community organisations and other appropriate bodies to maximise joint working with regards to the Councils regeneration and economic development programmes.
• Research, interpret, review and advise on the implementation of new and existing legislation, Government guidance and initiatives on a wide range of conservation related issues to ensure compliance with statutory and other obligations and to recommend appropriate alterations to process, policy and standards as may be required.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and other relevant legislation across the service area.

Resources

• No specific responsibility for stock control, procurement or other Resource related issues.
• Manage and maintain reports, statements, evidence etc. in relation to planning applications, pre-application enquiries, planning appeals and planning enforcement matters with due consideration to confidentiality and accuracy.

Planning and Organising

• Plan, arrange and co-ordinate tasks and procedures related to the service to achieve timely & good quality decisions, commensurate with the resources available.
• Manage and prioritise own workloads within the minimum supervision.
• Respond to tight deadlines having regard to Committee deadlines, corporate performance targets and nationally set performance indicators, with minimum supervision.

Decision Making

• Handle situations and problems with innovation and creativity, recognising controversial and sensitive issues.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Essential Criteria

• Educated to Degree Level in Town Planning.
• Knowledge of the relevant law, Government guidance, policies and practice relating to planning.
• Evidence of continuous professional development related to one or more aspects of development management and/or planning enforcement.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate information; to present clear, accurate and concise reports to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals, teams, customers, partners and staff, understanding the functions and needs of the service and the organisation as a

whole.

• Focus on customer satisfaction and deliver a quality service.

Desirable Criteria

• Full Membership of the Institute of Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligible for Full Membership.
• Experience in Development Management and/or planning enforcement matters, including the carrying out of investigations, achieving resolution through negotiation and/or persuasion, carrying out harm and expediency assessments and, where necessary, pursuing appropriate action.
• Experience of allied skills (e.g. Urban Design, Local Plan/Planning Policy work).
• I.T. literate, ability to use MS Office and ability to become competent at using other software applications relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of democratic process and appreciation of the role of Elected Members.
• Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels within the organisation and with external agencies or bodies.
• Possess a full driving licence.

BEHAVIOURS

• Thinks broadly and strategically. Understands the functions and needs of the service and the organisation.
• Adapts and responds well to change. Manages pressure effectively and open to new ideas and experiences.
• Ability to attend evening meetings/Committees and/or sometimes work at weekends.
• Ability to attend meetings regionally and, where appropriate, nationally.

NOTE:
The job role holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the job role descriptor grade as directed by the Head of Service.
This job role profile will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a definitive statement of procedures and tasks, but sets out the main expectations of the Service in relation to the post holder’s responsibilities and duties.
Elements of this job role profile and changes to it may be amended in light of organisational and service requirements.
Signed Head of Service Date: 4/4/18
K:PRIVATEDArmstrongApprovals M06H, M14A etcPE02053JD_15582 Planning Officer.doc
Dealing with all matters in respect of Development Management especially in relation to all aspects of planning (and related) applications, including relevant matters at preapplication and post-application stages of the planning process, planning appeals and planning enforcement matters.